Thoughts on a Wenge Collings CW

[lneal14513]

I had the opportunity to play a Wenge Collings D2HA some time back and was quite entranced with the sound. I was travelling for business, went back to the store a couple days later and it was sold. The guitar has been haunting me since that time.

The guitar was warmer overall and a bit more round in the treble than a typical standard Collings, and I think the adirondack top helped it to retain a good bit of punch. I believe this would be a good b&s set with a CW build.

I'd be interested in hearing anyone's thoughts on a Collings with wenge b&s, and /or specifically thoughts on pairing it with the CW build attributes. I have been strongly considering placing a custom order as a Christmas present to myself, but I would like to get some opinions from members of the forum.

Thanks to all

[brencat]

Can’t speak to Wenge but I once owned a CW Indian with Adi/EIR. It was like a race car that I never quite learned how to control, but admittedly also at a time well below my current level of flatpicking skill. Collings advertises these as made with a ‘stiff’ Adi top and Adi bracing for enhanced headroom. That also turned out to be my biggest gripe: it also played really stiff, despite two setups, and even the AO1 acoustic treatment by Frank Sanns in Pittsburgh. I sold it shortly thereafter.

The enlarged soundhole produces a more saturated midrange than their typical dreads. More clarity too. If you’re looking for greater warmth, I’d probably stick with the D2H over a CW design.

[lneal14513]

I had not considered that, especially the part about the large soundhole. What I was kind of shooting for was the typical Collings volume and brightness, coupled with a hint of warmth in the lower mids and bass. The guitar that I played exhibited those qualities. Perhaps I'll stick with a D2H with wenge b&s. Actually that would be what I had tried out and let slip through my fingers.

I did a search and there's one available online. If I pull the trigger it would be a win win. It happens to be less expensive than the CW with an upcharge for the wenge.

Thank you

[botofogo]

I have a Collings OM3HA with Wenge back and sides. I love the sound but the Adirondack top on mine still needs some playing to open up. Feels a bit stiff now, but like I said, I love the sound. And it's quite nice looking as well.

[llew]

I thought I wanted the enlarged sound hole too. I was wrong. I trust Brendan's assessment of the CW. Probably a fine guitar but not for me. I do have a rod rodded CS Collings D1 that I bought used that's amazing. Love to try a D2H in some form or another.
As far as Wenge goes I've never tried one and know nothing about that tone wood. But best of luck!